Dr. Seong Cho, MD

Dr. Seong Cho, MD is an Allergy & Immunology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your Allergy & Immunology specialist is your primary partner in preventing allergic reactions, managing asthma, treating immune disorders, and creating a personalized, long-term health plan that coordinates screenings and promotes overall wellness. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 971-9743 to schedule.

Dr. Seong Cho, MD is an allergist-immunologist in Tampa, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field, specializing in Environmental Allergies. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having earned his medical degree from Kyunghee University, College Of Medicine in 1989. He is Board Certified in Allergy & Immunology by the American Board of Allergy & Immunology, and is affiliated with medical facilities such as St. Joseph's Hospital and AdventHealth Carrollwood. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

Dr. Cho is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He has a strong understanding of the complexities of allergy and immunology, ensuring his patients receive the highest quality of care. He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Seong Cho is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Seong Cho can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Seong Cho provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Mastocytosis: Mastocytosis is a rare disorder where too many mast cells accumulate in your body, and early diagnosis helps manage symptoms and prevent serious complications.
• Hypogammaglobulinemia: Hypogammaglobulinemia is a condition where your body doesn't produce enough antibodies to fight off infections, making early diagnosis and proactive treatment crucial for preventing serious illnesses.
• Aspergillosis: Aspergillosis, a lung infection caused by mold, can be prevented by minimizing exposure to moldy environments and promptly addressing respiratory symptoms.
• X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia: XLA, an inherited disease affecting antibody production, requires lifelong management to avoid frequent and severe infections; proactive monitoring and prompt treatment of infections help prevent long-term health issues.
• Anaphylactic Shell Fish Allergy: Managing a shellfish allergy proactively—by reading food labels and avoiding cross-contamination—minimizes the risk of dangerous anaphylactic reactions.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the eye's lining caused by allergens, and early detection helps prevent further eye irritation and potential complications like infections.
• Anaphylactic Tree Nut Allergy: Successfully managing anaphylactic tree nut allergy means proactively avoiding exposure to nuts and being prepared with appropriate medication and emergency plans.
• Anaphylactic Food Allergies: Preventing serious complications from anaphylactic food allergies requires vigilance, prompt treatment of any allergic reactions, and collaboration with your healthcare provider for an individualized management plan.
• Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID): By managing CVID through regular medical care, including immunoglobulin replacement therapy, you can prevent recurrent infections and long-term health problems associated with a weakened immune system.
• Anaphylactic Peanut Allergy: Managing anaphylactic peanut allergy focuses on preventing exposure to peanuts and having a plan in place for immediate treatment with epinephrine in case of accidental exposure.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Early diagnosis and management of allergic rhinitis are crucial to prevent the development of asthma and other long-term respiratory issues.
• Moderate Asthma: Having moderate asthma indicates a need for consistent monitoring and treatment to stop it from worsening into a more severe condition, which could lead to hospital visits and long-term lung damage.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Seong Cho offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Food Challenge: This controlled test helps identify the specific foods causing your allergic reactions, assisting in creating a personalized management plan to improve your quality of life.
• Allergy Treatment: Take control of your allergies with allergy treatment; we'll work together to find the root cause and develop a personalized management plan.
• Wasp Desensitization Therapy: Take control of your wasp sting allergy with desensitization therapy; this treatment gradually reduces your sensitivity to wasp venom, minimizing future reaction risks.
• Food Desensitization Therapy: By working with a specialist, food desensitization helps determine the threshold of your food allergies to prevent severe reactions while potentially broadening your dietary options.
• Allergy Skin Testing: Take control of your allergies with allergy skin testing—a simple procedure that pinpoints your triggers, paving the way for effective prevention strategies.
• Honeybee Desensitization Therapy: Reduce your risk of severe reactions to bee stings through honeybee desensitization therapy, a proven method to build immunity and improve your quality of life.
• Drug Desensitization Therapy: If you have a life-threatening allergy to a necessary medicine, drug desensitization can help you overcome this allergy, improving your health outcomes.
• Blood Allergy Testing: Blood allergy testing helps identify specific allergens triggering your reactions, allowing for proactive avoidance and better management of your allergies.
• Drug Allergy Testing: Drug allergy testing is a crucial step in preventing serious allergic reactions; it helps determine which drugs are safe for you to take.
• Allergy Testing: Allergy testing helps identify specific triggers like pollen, pet dander, or foods that cause your allergic reactions, allowing for better management and prevention of future symptoms.
• Radioallergosorbent Test: Early detection of allergies is key – the RAST blood test helps uncover hidden allergies, facilitating early intervention and reducing the risk of severe reactions.
• Aeroallergen Hyposensitization Therapy: Take control of your allergies with aeroallergen hyposensitization therapy – a proactive approach to lessen the severity of your symptoms from things like pollen, mold, and pet dander.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Allergy & Immunology in Florida.

Dr. Seong Cho is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By proactively managing their mastocytosis with regular checkups and a personalized treatment plan, a patient gained peace of mind, knowing their condition was being carefully monitored and potential complications were minimized.
• By working with a specialist to establish a proactive treatment plan, a patient experienced a significant reduction in infection risk and newfound peace of mind. The early diagnosis allowed for timely intervention, preventing potential complications and improving their overall well-being.
• By understanding their risk factors and proactively managing environmental mold exposure, a patient was able to significantly reduce their chances of developing aspergillosis, ensuring a healthier future.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Allergy & Immunology care with Dr. Seong Cho:

What is an Allergist / Immunologist?

An allergist/immunologist is a medical specialist trained to diagnose and treat conditions related to the immune system, including allergies and immunodeficiencies. They help identify triggers and develop strategies to prevent reactions, improving patients' quality of life.

What can I expect during my first allergy consultation with Dr. Seong Cho?

Your first consultation with Dr. Cho will be a detailed detective process, focusing on a thorough history of your symptoms, potential exposures, and family history. This may also include diagnostic tests, like skin testing, to pinpoint specific triggers and create a personalized prevention plan for you.

I think I have a drug allergy. What should I do?

Stop the medication if safe to do so, and contact your prescribing doctor and Dr. Seong Cho immediately. Dr. Cho can help determine if it was a true drug allergy through a detailed history and, if necessary, specialized skin testing or a drug challenge to ensure future safety.

How do you test for a food allergy?

We typically begin with a skin prick test or a blood test (measuring IgE antibodies). While these are helpful, the gold standard for diagnosis is an oral food challenge, performed in our clinic under strict medical supervision, to definitively confirm or rule out a food allergy.

What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic condition where a type of white blood cell builds up in the esophagus, causing inflammation and difficulty swallowing. It's often triggered by food allergies, and Dr. Cho works with gastroenterologists to identify the trigger foods and manage the condition.

Are there alternatives to allergy shots?

Yes, for some environmental allergies like grass and ragweed pollen, there are under-the-tongue tablets or drops (sublingual immunotherapy) that can be taken at home. Dr. Cho can discuss if this is a suitable prevention option for you.

Can my child outgrow a food allergy?

Some food allergies, like milk, egg, and wheat, can resolve with time. However, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, and seafood are less likely to resolve. Dr. Cho can monitor this with testing and perform an oral food challenge when appropriate.

I have chronic hives (urticaria). What could be the cause?

While occasional hives might be linked to allergies or viruses, chronic hives, lasting more than six weeks, are often due to an underlying autoimmune condition. Dr. Cho is highly experienced in identifying the cause and employing advanced treatments, including biologic medications, to effectively manage and prevent future outbreaks.

13801 Bruce B Downs Blvd Ste 502
Tampa FL 33613
Phone: (813) 971-9743

Dr. Seong Cho, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1093917304

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Allergy & Immunology like Dr. Seong Cho are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your allergy & immunology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.